Discussions By Condition: I cannot get a diagnosis.

Need help for grandfather

over the past couple of years my grandfather has been having all kinds of things go wrong with him, he has seen many different doctors and tried many different things but it seems like every time he goes, he gets different a diagnosis, according to the different doctors there are like a million things wrong with him and im just going to throw all the info out there:

-he is in mid 60's with no health problems until last 10 years-his whole life he has been very athletic and upbeat-he was in vietnam and takes ativan (i think hes addicted)-he has had add he was taking adderall (recently quit because he has been trying to get off some of the drugs)-about 10 years ago started getting cluster headaches they stopped about 2 years ago (he treated them using oxygen)-he is overweight (not morbidly but a good bit overweight)-depression-very very bad back problems, he can hardly walk because of it he has become very hunched over(has tried massage therapy and acupunture with no relief) (he might have said something about a herniated disc?)-has headaches all day (takes multiple headache powders daily)-smokes cigerattes-not the best diet in the world-bladder cancer (has been removed twice)-very bad joint pain-leg cramps (esp at night)-can hardly breathe (wheezes..probably from cigerattes but...)-constipation-was diagnosed with fibromyalgia -sleeps and naps a lot and is usually very fatigued-cant stand for more than a couple minutes-skin has aged tremendously within past 5 years-has recently started getting overly confused about simple things, he asked what his daughters name was (it seems like it has gotten much worse within a couple of weeks)

1 Replies:

I'm sorry to hear of your grandfather's problems. I hope that you have found your answers. With him suffering with constant back pain & having trouble walking-Are his muscles in his back tight or spasming allot? Chronic Back issues can cause other issues-like Tension/Migraine headaches (which are awful!), Depression, memory loss (Pain is physically & emotionally exhausting). Has he seen a back specialist? Or physical therapist? There is a natural substance called "Glucosamine Chondroitin" (you've probably heard of it) it helps with muscle and joint pain, also with Arthritis pain. If he has a herniated disk- what options did his doctor give him? Epidural injections? surgery? physical therapy? If he wasn't given options, it may be time to seek another opinion. Medicare & Va hospitals always allow for a second opinion. If he's been dealing with this back pain for months or years it may also be time to add an anti-depressant(not a cure all)but it would help him ease the feelings of frustration & helplessness. A back injury affects EVERYTHING we do & sometimes alters what we used to be able to do. Be supportive, help him see who needs to see, & be sure to tell him that it can get better. Reassurance can be key when dealing with depression issues..I wish you lots of luck & sincerely hope that he is feeling better. Take care, Becca318